What's happened
Keir Starmer's government faces a shake-up as top aides Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan resign over links to Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein. The resignations follow a controversy over Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, highlighting internal tensions and political fallout.
What's behind the headline?
The resignations of Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan signal a significant internal crisis within Starmer's leadership. McSweeney's departure, linked to his role in backing Mandelson, underscores the political fallout from the Epstein controversy. Allan's resignation, just five months into his role, suggests a broader dissatisfaction with the current direction of the government’s communications strategy. These events reveal a government struggling to manage its internal reputation and public trust. The controversy over Mandelson's appointment is likely to persist, fueling opposition criticism and damaging Starmer's authority. Moving forward, the government will need to address these internal conflicts transparently to stabilize its leadership and regain public confidence.
What the papers say
Reuters reports that Morgan McSweeney resigned over his role in supporting Mandelson, while Tim Allan, a former adviser to Tony Blair, stepped down to allow a new team to be built. Politico highlights Allan's brief tenure and his statement wishing success to the new team. The Guardian emphasizes the timing of Allan's resignation, coming just after McSweeney's departure, and frames it within the broader controversy surrounding Mandelson's appointment. The coverage from these sources collectively underscores the internal turmoil and political implications of these resignations, illustrating the government's ongoing struggle to manage its image amid controversy.
How we got here
Starmer's government has been under scrutiny following the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, despite his known links to Jeffrey Epstein. The resignations of senior aides Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan reflect internal disagreements and attempts to restore credibility amid ongoing political controversy.
Go deeper
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson PC is a British Labour politician, president of international think tank Policy Network, honorary president of the Great Britain–China Centre, and chairman of strategic advisory firm Global Counsel.
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Morgan James McSweeney (born 19 April 1977) is an Irish political strategist for the British Labour Party. He served as Downing Street Chief of Staff under Prime Minister Keir Starmer from October 2024 until his resignation in February 2026. A close colle
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.